CEO Today Global Awards

34 SOUTH AFRICA www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today Global Awards 2020 VNA Consulting initially partnered with the ARRB Group in 2010 to access the technology to assist local road authorities with quality scientific assessments to check the condition of roads in line with the international standards adopted by the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral). “ What has helped us is that I have always been intrigued by what goes on globally. I have travelled extensively and picked up ideas by looking at what goes on in Australia, Asia, the United States and India. Australia is similar to South Africa and a lot of the advances that have been made there can assist us at home. “As we believed automated pavement condition testing to be the way forward and in line with global trends, VNA had the foresight to acquire our first falling weight deflectometer trailer in 2009, paving the way for our extensive investment in sophisticated, state-of-the-art pavement strength testing equipment, designed to significantly improve road maintenance solutions in this country, ” Narsai says. Introducing the technology was a major turning point for the business, bolstering its reputation as a leading road asset management service provider among transport authorities in SA and the SADC region, yet Narsai says leading the way has drawbacks. “ The downside is when you are seen as the first mover, you are seen as a threat to the industry. It goes back to transformation. We are threats to those who have been dominating the industry because with this technology, we are ‘the police, the Hawks, the crime- intelligent busters’ because we can very objectively determine whether a contract is being done correctly. “The sad part is that, with shoddy workmanship on road related projects, Transport Authority Clients don’t have the necessary management tools to determine whether a Consultant and/or Contractor are performing their respective scope of works and/or service appropriately. Our key objective is to ensure Clients always get value for money ,” he explains. While this cutting-edge technology is a game changer, which is not only analysing the condition of the pavements scientifically, but exposing sub-standard work on roads, what further sets his team apart is its human- and technical skills and ability to assess the big picture to deliver on a range of projects. “ We have a long-held collaborative approach to big- picture planning, coupled with an ever-changing vigour to improve quality and customer value in a simplistic manner while delivering professionally on local and international planes. “Our pioneering project methods and processes have contributed immeasurably to the business success we have enjoyed during our 19-year history. Our successes have been built on our strategic approach to doing things differently in terms of business products, services and innovation. I pride myself in having a hands-on approach with my clients, ” Narsai says. “ Our vision is to realise continental potential, ensuring the built environment transformation of South Africa and the continent while enhancing the lives of the inhabitants. VNA is service-driven, with service success as the cornerstone of its culture, ” he says. The company rigorously manages client requirements, schedules, facilities, human resources and the budget, holding every employee accountable to ensure service delivery success. “ Every employee must be mindful of content, risk, cost and schedule. All must understand the goals and requirements of their activity and how that activity interacts with the larger system. VNA cultivates and inculcates a vision, which includes all the people across our operations who individually and collectively take ownership of any project in which we invest. This new breed of leadership must demonstrate a dynamic understanding of the competences, applications and future potential of evolving technologies,” he says. “South Africa and Southern Africa’s built environment industry is constantly evolving. No longer is brick and mortar being considered the Alpha and Omega. The digital age now influences every aspect of this economic sector in terms of innovations, systems and methods. “Behind the amazing technological advancements and innovative developments are connected business customers; customers who now demand smarter, faster, always-on experiences and solutions from us, ” he says. But he notes that what works elsewhere on the globe may not necessarily always work in Africa. “ Opportunities, prospects, ventures and creativity need to be developed and nurtured. What Africa is missing is infrastructure - roads, rails, ports, airports, clinics, schools, houses, electrical and information technology